Explore The Shark Hole

Named from the sharks that are sometimes found circling the sand mount in the middle of the cave. Explore this tiny sinkhole is located inside the barrier reef about 38 miles from Placencia, before diving on the pristine reefs of South Water Caye Marine Reserve.

The Shark Hole

This tiny sinkhole is located inside the Main Barrier Reef north of Tobacco Caye in about 30 feet of water.

Eons ago, the Shark Hole was above water and formed a huge domed cave. Part of the roof of this caved fell in, creating an opening in the top of the dome through which we dive.

The cave was discovered by fishermen hunting permit and tarpon for sports fishing. These two kinds of fish, as well as other large schools, can often be seen in and around the entrance of the hole. This is what is believed to attract the several species of shark from which the cave gets its name.

The Shark Hole And South Water Caye Marine Reserve Dive

As you enter the hole, it opens up into a domed chamber, about 150ft across. Stalactites stipple the roof of the dome at about 60ft.

Thousands of years of accumulating sediment has created a sandhill in the center directly under the opening. The top of this sandhill is at about 100ft and gradually drops down to the edge of the hole to 130ft.

It is around this sandhill that typical see circling sharks. Some shark species we encounter include Bull Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Lemon Sharks, and Reef Shark. Usually, they swim up and out of the hole at the approach of divers, but often will swim deeper into the cave where divers cannot go.

The fun (and safe) thing about this cave is that no matter where you are, you can always see the entrance above.

The Shark Hole dive trip includes 3 dives. The First dive of the Days is done at the Shark Hole, while the second and third dives are done at the pristine reef near South Water CayeMarine Reserve.

Prerequisite

Requirements

Scuba Divers must be an Open Water Certified from a reputable SCUBA association, in good health, and have dived within the last 12 months. If you have not been diving within 12 months, we recommended that you do a Refresher Course.

Intensity

Diving: Intermediate to Advanced

What Should I Bring?

Reef Safe Sunscreen

Rashguard

Dive and Snorkel Gear (if you have any)

Hat

Underwater Camara

Insect repellant

What Equipment Will I need?

All the equipment you need for this dive is provided and includes mask, snorkel, fins and full dive equipment (except dive computers). However, we do strongly recommend getting your own personal​ items such as mask, fins and snorkel for fit and comfort.